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As Sidharth stepped into his home, the tension in his body was palpable. Rita Ji, noticed the scowl on his face and immediately sensed that something was amiss.

"Sidharth, kya hua beta?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

But Sidharth didn't respond. He just shook his head and walked past her, his footsteps heavy with frustration. Rita Ji's eyes followed him as he disappeared into his room, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.

Inside his room, Sidharth collapsed onto his bed, his body wracked with emotion. He buried his face in his pillow, trying to stifle the sobs that threatened to overwhelm him.

As he lay there, he felt like he was drowning in a sea of despair. He couldn't believe that Shehnaaz was leaving, that he would never get to see her bright smile or hear her infectious laughter again.

He thought about their conversation earlier, about how he had tried to push her away, to convince himself that he was fine with her leaving. But it was all a lie. He wasn't fine. He was dying inside, his heart shattered into a million pieces.

Sidharth's body shook with silent sobs as he cried for the loss of the one person who had ever truly understood him. He cried for the what-ifs, for the possibilities that would never be, for the love that he had never mustered the courage to express.

As the tears streamed down his face, Sidharth felt like he was losing himself, like he was disappearing into a void of sorrow and regret. He knew that he would never be the same again, that a part of him would always be left behind with Shehnaaz.

Lost and lonely, coz you're the only
One that knows me and I can't be without you

Lost and lonely, coz you're the only
One that knows me and I can't be without you

Lying on his back, Sidharth looked at celling blankly thinking about Shehnaaz. He remembered the first time he listened her voice and an instant liking grew inside him which he didn't admit that time. Slowly that liking turned into love and he didn't even realise it. The bond they shared was special, and it would never happen with anyone else.

Hai kya yeh jo tere mere darmiyan hai
Andekhi ansuni koyi dastaan hai

Hai kya yeh jo tere mere darmiyan hai
Andekhi ansuni koyi dastaan hai

Sidharth's life didn't change. As usual he used to go to the jamming session, work on his new compositions, and then go to the cafe for part time job. But now there was an unusual emptiness which he felt inside him all the time.

Lagne lagi ab zindagi khaali hai meri
Lagne lagi har saans bhi khaali

One day, during their jamming session, Sidharth strummed the guitar, his eyes closed in concentration. "Veer, bass ko thoda adjust kar. Krish, tu beats pe dhyan de aur Shehnaaz tum...."

His voice trailed off as he opened his eyes, realizing with a pang that Shehnaaz was not there. The room fell silent, Veer and Krish looked at each other. Sidharth's gaze faltered, his eyes clouding over with emotion.

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

"Sidharth, ek kaam karte hai na? Pehle hum nayi lead singer finalize kar lete hai uske baad yeh jamming sessions rakhte hai? Hum company se ek baar baat kare toh, we can find a really good voice." Said Veer to which Krish nodded trying to make him feel better.

Sidharth kept aside his guitar in frustration and walked out of the room without saying a word. Veer and Krish exchanged a concerned glance, their faces falling as they realized the depth of Sidharth's emotions. For Sidharth it was not about his career anymore, things went beyond that.

Outside, Sidharth felt a lump form in his throat as he realized that he couldn't replace Shehnaaz. He tried to control his emotions but despite of that, a lone tear escaped his eyes.

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

Sidharth's days blended together in a haze of sadness and longing. He went through the motions of his daily routine. Everytime he used to be lost in his thoughts. He realised that he became something which he never wanted to be. He never wanted any distraction or any emotional barrier at this stage of life. But life doesn't go according to our plans, that was what exactly happened with him and now everything was messed up.

One day, as he worked at the cafe, his mind wandered to Shehnaaz, wondering what she was doing, if she was thinking of him too. He felt like a part of him was missing, like he was living in a constant state of limbo.

He was wiping down the counter, when he caught a glimpse of a girl with familiar dark hair which reached her shoulder, walking into the cafe. His heart skipped a beat as he felt a sudden surge of hope. Could it be? Was Shehnaaz really here?

He quickly made his way around the counter, his eyes fixed on the girl, his heart racing with anticipation. But as he approached her, his smile faltered, and his hope shattered. It wasn't Shehnaaz.

Ajnabi se huye hain kyun pal saare
Ke nazar se nazar yeh milaate hi nahi

Sidharth felt a pang of sadness, and he smiled wistfully, thinking to himself, "Woh kyu aayegi mujhse milne? She
must be busy preparing to leave, starting a new life without me. Waha jaa ke woh toh mujhe miss bhi nahi karne wali. Naye log milenge,naye dost banenge, pata nahi main yaad bhi rahunga yaa nahi. After all main uss se pyaar karta hoon, who thodi mujhse pyaar karti hai?"

He took a deep breath, trying to compose himself, and returned to his duties.

After the cafe was closed, Sidharth came outside when he again remembered Shehnaaz, remembered how she used to wait for him outside the cafe.

Ik ghani tanhayi chha rahi hai
Manzilein raaston mein hi gum hone lagi

Sidharth began walking alone, his feet carrying him on a familiar path. He remembered how he and Shehnaaz used to walk together, side by side, lost in conversation.

As he strolled, he caught sight of a couple holding hands, and his mind wandered to the beautiful moments he had shared with Shehnaaz, those fun banters, eating street foods together, those late night talks and smiling without any reason.

Ho gayi ansuni har dua ab meri
Reh gayi ankahi bin tere

Unknowingly, his feet led him to her house, a habit he had developed from walking her home countless times. He stood outside, gazing up at her balcony with teary eyes. He badly wanted to go inside and meet her but failed as he was still angry at her. How could she so easily make the decision of leaving him? Though he never expressed directly but didn't she even feel his love for her?

With a sigh,he turned and walked away, disappearing into the night, leaving behind the memories of what could never be again.

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

But he didn't know for the other person the decision was not easy at all. Just like he was missing Shehnaaz, she was also missing him, her heart was also shattering , she was also feeling lonely.

"Mujhe paata hai Sidharth tum abhi bhi mujhse gussa ho. Par kya karu? Main hoon ek darpok ladki, main darti hu apne parents ko dukh pohuchane se. Nahi le paayi main apne sapno ke liye stand. Bas jaane se pehle ek baar tumhe baatana chahti thi ki... Main tumse pyaar karti hoon. Jaan na chahti thi ki tum mere liye kya feel karte ho. Waise kuch na hi feel karo toh behtar hai... Kyu ki mere jaisi darpok ladki tumhare layak toh nahi hai."

Thinking that, Shehnaaz chuckled painfully and her tears couldn't stop.

Raah mein roshni ne hai kyun hath chhoda
Iss taraf shaam ne kyun hai apna muh moda

Shehnaaz's day were now blur of forced smiles and hollow congratulations. Her parents were very happy and excited, they were proudly telling the relatives and friends about their daughter's achievement. Shehnaaz was pretending to be happy in their happiness but her heart wasn't in it. Every conversation felt like a chore, every smile a strain.

Her mind kept wandering back to her Sidharth, her music, and the life she was leaving behind. The ache in her heart grew with every passing moment, making it harder to pretend that everything was okay.

Yun ke har subah, ik bereham si raat ban gayi

While packing her stuffs, Shehnaaz's eyes fell on the hair clutcher kept on the table. She picked it up and a smile formed on her face remembering the moment Sidharth bought it for her and made her wear it.

Hai kya yeh jo tere mere darmiyaan hai
Andekhi ansuni koyi dastaan hai

Shehnaaz's smile became wider when the memories of Sidharth's unwavering support and encouragement flooded her mind. She recalled the way he and his friends cheered her on, their laughter and applause making her feel like a rockstar.

But the next moment, her smile faltered. Those carefree moments, once filled with joy and excitement, now taunted her. She realized she'd never experience them again, that she'd never feel the rush of adrenaline as she performed on stage or the warmth of Sidharth's smile.

Lagne lagi ab zindagi khaali khaali
Lagne lagi har saans bhi khaali

With a sigh, Shehnaaz again kept the hair clutcher back on the table and slowly moved towards the window. Her thoughts drifted to the life she was leaving behind, the one she never knew she needed. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she lamented the choices she'd made, the paths she'd chosen. The life her parents had planned for her seemed suffocating, a constant reminder of the dreams she'd sacrificed. Those dreams which she had build with the person, she loved the most.

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

As the days went by, Sidharth and Shehnaaz continued to live in separate worlds, their hearts beating with a shared longing. Their days passed, each moment a reminder of the other's absence.

Bin tere, bin tere, bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

They both missed each other but didn't get the courage to talk and express their feelings to each other. And amidst all this, the day of Shehnaaz's departure came nearer.

Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere
Koyi khalish hai hawaon mein bin tere

It was a few days before Shehnaaz's flight. As usual Sidharth was going for the jamming session when suddenly Rita Ji stopped him.

"Beta, tu bahar jaa raha hai toh ek baar Shehnaaz ke ghar hoke aana. Maine uske liye besan ke laddoo banaye hai. Pichli baar jab humare ghar aayi thi, usse bohut pasand aaye the mere haath ke laddoo. Paata nahi waha America mein accha khana milega yaa nahi... Jaane se pehle usse yeh dede, khush ho jayegi bacchi." She said smiling.

Sidharth paused for a while but then tried to maintain his poker face.

"Mom, mujhse nahi hoga. Aaj jamming session hai aur nayi lead singer bhi aa rahi hai. Humara album release hone wala hai. Mere paas inn sab ke liye time nahi hai. Waise bhi Pammi Aunty aap ki dost hai, aap hi jaa ke de do na." He said trying to avoid going to her house.

Rita Ji very well understood that he was giving excuses and went near him while saying, "Main maanti hoon Pammi meri dost hai, par Shehnaaz toh teri dost hai. Mujhe pata hai tu naraz hai isliye ek baar bhi nahi mila uss se. Veer aur Krish ne sab baataya mujhe. Dekh beta, zindagi mein aksar aisa hota hai. Jaisa hum chahte hai woh humesha nahi ho paata, haalat humesha aise nahi hote. Apne apne career ke liye sabko alag hona padtahai.... school, colleges ke dost bhi toh alag hote hai na, uss se dosti thodi khatam hoti hai? Yeh bacchon wali zidh chhor aur uske jaane se pehle ek baar mil le uss se. Agar tu nahi gaya toh usse bhi bura lagega, aur baad mein tu bhi pachtayega. Isliye jaa ke acche se bye bol de, taa ki woh khushi khushi nayi apni zindagi ki ore kadam badha sake."

Sidharth was hesitating when Rita Ji handed him tiffin box saying, "Dekh mujhe office jaana hai, mera dimaag kharab mat kar abhi."

Sidharth sighed, knowing that Rita Ji was right. It was the last chance to see her before she leaves. He should not ruin the friendship they have for his stubbornness.

"Fine, Mom. I'll go." He said at last making Rita Ji smile.

As he walked to Shehnaaz's house, Sidharth's heart felt heavy. He hadn't seen her in a while, and the thought of her leaving soon was difficult to bear. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the sadness that had been lingering inside him.

When he arrived at Shehnaaz's house, he was greeted by her parents. They exchanged pleasantries, and Sidharth handed over the tiffin box of laddoos. Pammi Ji thanked him and invited him to sit down.

Sidharth asked to see Shehnaaz, and Pammi Ji nodded, "Woh apne room mein hi hai. Saaman wagera pack kar rahi hai sayad. Tum jaa ke mil lo."

Sidharth nodded and made his way upstairs, his heart pounding in his chest. He stood at the door and saw her caressing her veena and harmonium, sadness was visible on her face.

As he entered her room, Shehnaaz looked up at him, and forced a smile,

"Toh tum aa hi gaye? Mujhe laga tha mere jaane se pehle miloge bhi nahi." She said standing up.

Sidharth went to her and said, "Woh Mom ne tumhare liye laddoo bheje the, tumhe pasand hai na? Actually unko kuch dena tha tumhare jaane se pehle."

Shehnaaz's eyes welled up with tears, "That's so sweet of her. Unko meri taraf se thanks bolna."

They stood in silence for a moment, they both were trying to control their emotions. Then, Shehnaaz spoke up, her voice barely above a whisper, "Sidharth.... Tumhe bohut miss karungi. Humara band, humare jamming sessions, Veer aur Krish ke stupid jokes.... Sab hi ki bohut yaad aayegi."

Sidharth's heart felt heavy with the weight of his unsaid words. As he kept standing there, Sidharth noticed the veena and harmonium in the corner of the room. Shehnaaz had always been passionate about music, and it was clear that she was going to miss it terribly. He realized that she wasn't just leaving him, but also the life she loved, the music that made her soul sing.

Sidharth's eyes met Shehnaaz's, and he saw the sadness and longing reflected back at him. He knew he couldn't bear to see her like this, not when he could try to do something for her.

Shehnaaz was waiting for Sidharth to say something but when he didn't speak a word, she sighed and went to hug him.

"Anyways wish me luck for my new life and promise ki hum touch mein zaroor rahenge." Said Shehnaaz forwarding her hand but before she could hug him, Sidharth pushed her away.

"Maine pehle bhi kaha hai yeh sab drama mujhe pasand nahi hai. What I want is just.... Be honest to me. Are really you happy with all this? Because I am not at all happy with whatever is going on." He said clearly, expressing his vulnerability for the first time.

"Sidharth main... You know I am...."

"Doing this for your parents?" Asked Sidharth not letting her finish. "You know what, meri hi galti hai jo saara decision tumpe chhor diya. Tum humare band ki member thi.... Member ho, aur tumhare liye kya best hai yeh decide karne ka thoda haq mujhe bhi hai. Chalo mere saath."

Sidharth hold Shehnaaz's hand, this time with a determination to make things right.

"Par kaha?" Asked Shehnaaz being confused.

"Tumhare parents se baat karne. I have to do this for our band."

Before Shehnaaz could say anything, Sidharth took her downstairs with him. Her parents were in the living room when their eyes fell on Sidharth and Shehnaaz.

"Uncle, Aunty, mujhe aap logo se kuch baat karni hai." Said Sidharth coming in front of them, Shehnaaz couldn't understand what to do.

Sidharth glanced at Shehnaaz and then declared looking at her parents, "Shehnaaz America nahi jaayegi!"

As soon as Sidharth said this, Shehnaaz's parents became shocked.
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One more part left for this story.

Agli short story ke liye do plots ready hai. Ek comedy aur dusra emotional. Comment down kaunsa genre chahiye 👇🏻

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